Deformation of a Thin, Elastic Plate to a Deep Parabolic Cylinder

摘要

Equations governing the elastic deformation of thin plates through large displacements to deep parabolic cylinders are presented and solved. The solution consists of expressions for a spatially distributed surface pressure and uniform rim loads which, when applied to the plate, produce the specified, deep parabolic cylindrical shape. These forming loads are written in dimensionless form for parabolic cylinders of arbitrary focal length and arbitrary rim to rim aperture. Numerical results are presented and limiting values are discussed. The solution and results find immediate application to mechanical forming and adhesive retention of parabolic solar collector components. (ERA citation 07:043061)